Best smart plug UK
Which is the best smart plug in 2024?
VIEW OFFERBest of 2024: Find the right smart plug in the UK
It can be quite difficult to find the best smart plug for your home. There are various issues that you need to consider, from the types of devices you want to control to the different features available in each smart plug. So it’s understandable if you are unsure of what to look for! To help with this, check out our handy smart plug buying guide below. It covers all the useful information that you need to know to find the best smart plugs for your home.
The 10 best smart plugs in the UK (November 2024)
The bestseller list compares smart plugs from multiple brands
- Scheduling: Set schedules/timers for automatic power control
- Access: Control devices with the Tapo app from anywhere
- Compatibility: Works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for Voice Control
- Schedule: Customize on/off times for electronics.
- Voice: Works with Alexa and Google Home.
- Control: Manage devices anytime via internet.
- Energy: Monitor usage to reduce wasteful standby power and save energy.
- Schedule: Set timers for automatic on/off to match your daily routines.
- Control: Voice and remote control with Alexa/Google Home for convenient appliance management.
- Scheduling: Programmable timer feature prevents coming home to a dark house.
- Safety: Sliding safety cover, overload protection to keep your child safe.
- Compatibility: Works with Alexa, Google Home, Siri, SmartThings for seamless voice control.
- Schedule: Automatically power electronics on/off as needed.
- Remote: Control devices via Kasa app, anywhere.
- Compatibility: Works with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control.
- Monitoring: Track every cent of your electricity bill.
- Control: Voice commands with Alexa and Google Home.
- Setup: Connect easily using the Smart Life App.
- Simplicity: Easy setup via Alexa app, no hub needed.
- Automation: Schedule devices to turn on/off automatically.
- Compatibility: Works with Alexa for seamless voice control.
- Functions: Schedule and timers enhance device management.
- Access: Control devices globally using TCP Smart App.
- Control: Manage with TCP Smart app, Alexa, Google Home, or Siri.
- Integration: Works with Alexa and Google Home for voice control.
- Scheduling: Set schedules to automatically turn devices on/off.
- Efficiency: Monitor energy usage via the connected app.
- Monitoring: Track energy usage effortlessly.
- Control: Use voice or app for remote management.
- Setup: Easy 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, no hub required.
Affiliate link: We are a participant of the Amazon Associates Program. If you buy a product through this link we might earn a small commission from Amazon at no extra charge for you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
- Read the definitive smart plug buying guide
- View the smart plug picks and see how they rank in the top list
smart plug buying guide
Do you want to buy a good smart plug? This is all you need to know.
A short explanation: What are smart plugs?
A smart plug, also known as a smart power outlet, is a device that allows you to plug in electronic devices and then use a corresponding app on your smartphone to control the outlet remotely. You can also use various smart devices to control the outlets, such as a smart assistant speaker like a Google Home or Amazon Echo. This way, you can use your voice to control the devices plugged into the smart plug.
What are the benefits of good smart plugs?
Even the best smart plug is very affordable, making it a great investment for anyone that wants to get more from their appliances and devices without spending a fortune. They also offer many benefits of more expensive smart home devices, allowing you to control various aspects of your home easily and efficiently. The most notable benefit of a smart plug is it lets you turn non-smart devices into smart ones, giving you the ability to control when and how your devices and appliances turn on in your home.
How to choose the best smart plug in 2024?
Choosing the best smart plug device depends entirely on your needs, as not everyone requires the same functions and features from the plug. Here are some important things worth considering when looking to buy the right smart plug for your needs:
- Connectivity: Smart plugs can connect to devices through a home network or via Bluetooth, while some use both for a more reliable connection. W-Fi smart plugs let you connect your devices anywhere you have a network, so be sure to consider what type of connective feature works best for you. If you want to remotely control devices and don’t mind lower energy saving options and a potential lack of compatibility with a home assistant device, then smart plugs with Bluetooth are fine. However, smart plugs with Wi-Fi as well as Bluetooth allow you to use additional features to reduce energy consumptions and they are compatible with virtual assistant devices.
- Virtual Assistants: A great way to improve the functionality of your smart plug, virtual assistants are need-to-have devices for anyone who doesn’t want to get up to turn on the computer. Plus, they allow for even more control, such as setting timers and tracking the energy you use. Not all virtual assistants are compatible with smart plugs, so be sure to check before you buy. However, if the smart plug uses Wi-Fi you should have no problem connecting to virtual assistant devices.
- Number of Outlets: Smart plugs come as standalone devices or as part of a power board/strip. The latter offers more outlets to connect your devices, plus sometimes a USB outlet for connecting to other devices. Standalone devices obviously only connect to one outlet, but if you need multiple then you can invest in a smart plug with multiple outlets - bear in mind that this will cost more than one with a single outlet.
Which types of smart plugs are available to buy in the UK?
With many great types of smart plugs to consider, keep the following list in mind when weighing your options.
- Universal Smart Plug: The best smart plugs for anyone using a wide selection of appliances, universal smart plugs can be used with virtually any 3-pin electrical device. This is a great smart plug for controlling an entire room’s devices, letting you power lights, TVs, radios and more with just one plug.
- USB Smart Plug: A USB smart plug replaces a traditional USB wall outlet, letting you enjoy the benefits of a smart plug with all devices using USB connections. These are very handy, especially when used in wall sockets hidden from view, letting you control things like lights, speakers, and even alarm systems.
- Wall Outlet Smart Plug: The best smart plugs for permanent fixture, these devices replace your entire wall outlet, giving both wall sockets smart capabilities. This lets you hide the plugs from view, letting all connected devices remain hidden, which is great for things like alarm systems, fans, and any other devices you don’t want to be out on display.